Lisa Marie Blaschke

Research area Research question Research outcomes/objectives Method Timeline

Role of social media (active usage) in developing learner competencies and capabilities, particularly when social media is used to support the heutagogical teaching and learning approach

(Hase & Kenyon, 2000; Kenyon & Hase, 2010; Gardner et al., 2007)

Andragogy (Self-directed) ► Heutagogy (Self-determined)

Single-loop learning ► Double-loop learning

Competency development ► Capability development

Linear design and learning approach

► Non-linear design and learning approach

Instructor-learner directed ► Learner-directed

Getting students to learn (content)

► Getting students to understand how they learn (process)

↑ Learner autonomy/maturity

↓ Instructor control/course structure

↓ Learner autonomy/maturity

↑ Instructor control/course structure

Improves critical thinking and reflection Increases learner engagement and motivation Gives learners control over learning (learner-

centered) Improves ability of learners to investigate and

question ideas – and apply knowledge in practical situations

Supports development of independent ideas and self-confidence

Makes learners more capable and able to adapt to new environments

(Canning & Callan, 2010; Ashton & Elliott, 2008; Ashton & Newman, 2006; Bhoryrub, Hurley, Neilson, Ramsay, & Smith, 2010)

Self-Self-determindetermin

ed ed learninglearning

WikisWikis

BlogsBlogs

TwitterTwitter

LinkedILinkedInn

Mind Mind mapsmaps

Open Open Educational Educational Resources Resources

(OER)(OER)

Connectivity with others

Discovery and sharing of information

Personal collection and adaptation of information

(McLoughlin & Lee, 2007)

How can social media support development of learner competencies and capabilities?

Does heutagogical practice (e.g., capability development) better prepare our learners for lifelong learning and the complexities of today’s workforce?

Present research on the pedagogical application and benefits of the active use of social media in the online classroom in terms of its influence on learner engagement and development

Measure learner competency and capability development over time using 4 Cs Model: Communication Collaboration Creativity Critical thinking

Improve educational practice by providing guidance and best practices for instructors in using social media in the classroom so as to maximize pedagogical benefit

Learner questionnaires / learner contracts Scaffolding of learning activities, learner-directed

questions, action research Reflective learning journals, collaborative group

work, communities of practice Formative and summative assessment

Holistic design-based research approach Evaluation of student e-portfolios and other online

learner-generated content based on how this content exhibits development of learner capability through active use of social media

Longitudinal analysis: Ongoing evaluation over a two-year time period

Interventions: Redesign of course activities that encourage development of learner capability and active use of social media

Data gathering techniques: student interviews, instructor interviews, a survey measuring student perceptions of own competencies and capabilities at the start of each semester, and a survey on student perceptions on the active use of social media in supporting development capability

Year 1 (Fall 2011 - Summer 2012):Prepare detailed literature review (July-October 2011)Develop student surveys, interview questions, and assessment criteria for measuring cognitive skill development in student e-portfolios, e.g., competency framework (November-December 2011)Conduct student surveys and interviews: Spring 2012 (April-May 2012)Prepare research paper for EDEN Research Workshop: June 2012Prepare article for publication: July 2012

Year 2 (Fall 2012 - Summer 2013):Continue to track ongoing learner development (surveys, interviews, evaluation of e-portfolios, learning journals)Report on mid-way results

Year 3 (Fall 2013 - Summer 2014):Complete learner development assessment (surveys, interviews, evaluation of e-portfolios, learning journals)Report on final results

Lisa Marie Blaschkelisa@kreative-komm.de lblaschke@faculty.umuc.edu

(based on Canning, 2010, p. 63)